Drug overdose resulted in fatality
Two people face felony charges resulting from the fatal drug overdose of a 32-year-old Royalton man.
Daniel Stuebs, 38, Weyauwega, is charged with first-degree reckless homicide, delivery of cocaine, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is in custody on a $50,000 cash bond.
Summer R. Preuss, 25, Shawano, was charged with first-degree reckless homicide as party to a crime. She is currently in custody on a $100,000 cash bond following her arrest on drug charges in a separate case.
According to the criminal complaint, officers found Derrick J. Pagel deceased at his home in the town of Royalton on April 3, 2022.
Investigators found drugs at the scene and the medical examiner reported that cocaine and fentanyl were the cause of death
An examination of Pagel’s cellphone found messages allegedly arranging for a drug deal between Pagel and Stuebs.
On Dec. 5, 2022, detectives with the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office questioned Stuebs.
Stuebs reportedly told the detectives that he owed Pagel money and repaid him with “dope because he got a cheaper price in Milwaukee.”
On Dec. 11, 2022, Stuebs spoke to his mother over the jail phone. He reportedly admitted that he gave Pagel the drugs that killed him, but that “I don’t get it, like how can they prove that it was me that gave him the drugs that killed him… gave him some crack, but crack does not make you overdose and die,” the complaint says.
On Dec. 21, 2022, investigators interviewed Summer Preuss, following her arrest at a friend’s apartment where she was staying.
Detectives believed she had a cellphone that belonged to Stuebs. There was also an outstanding warrant for her arrest.
They found drugs in the apartment. She currently faces charges of possession of narcotics and possession of cocaine.
According to her criminal complaint, Preuss told detectives that she and Stuebs made trips together to Milwaukee, where they purchased heroin and crack.
She was allegedly with Stuebs when he dropped off the drugs in Pagel’s mailbox.